Jalen King announced last month he would be returning to two-time state champion Piedmont Classical, instead of a planned transfer to High Point Christian Academy.
Greensboro, North Carolina- The decision wasn’t an easy one for Joiner, but after immense thought and prayer with his family they decided Piedmont Classical was ultimately the best option.
“I have decided to transfer back to Piedmont Classical High school and stay in the class of 2020. Family is very important to me, and the move back to PCHS helped my family as a whole ultimately, I’ll be around more.” King Joiner told Phenom Hoops.
This is big news for the Bobcats who will be forced to replace majority of the production from those championship teams. Now with Joiner set to return the group immediately have a number one scoring option on the perimeter, and a leader with a championship pedigree. It also means Coach Free will have his athletic forward duo once again, when King Joiner and fellow 2020 forward Evan Joyner take the floor together again.
Both guys slot in the top 50 of our 2020 NC rankings. Evan Joyner ranks 31st, he’s a 6’8 slashing wing with big upside and Joyner is expected to take a major stride forward this year.
King Joiner ranks 48th respectively and currently holds interest from a host of schools. Joiner plans to visit James Madison, North Carolina A&T, and, Mars Hill this fall. He also plans to schedule a visit with the Virginia Military Institute. Throughout travel ball Joiner saw his stock jump after some gritty performances with Team Wall, he impressed with versatility and a new-found aggression on the floor. Joiner proved to be a three level scorer, his jump shot has improved noticeably, Joiner shoots it with confidence from behind the arc, and he’s a true two-way wing. On the perimeter Joiner will anchor the defense, his length, athleticism, and motor, put Joiner in line to be a potential lock down defender at the next level.
Joiner has changed his mentality on the floor, Joiner has made the jump from role player to feature player over the last year. Older guys have paved the way already so Joiner knows what it takes to win it all.
The Bobcats will also return 2020 guard Riley Stafford who was also set to transfer to HPCA along with Joiner. Stafford was a member of those previous title teams and could be counted on for leadership as well.
This team will have some new faces but expectations will remain the same, Joiner and these young Bobcats will have to carry the torch now.